Greeks should contain enthusiasm

ATHENS, Greece  Even the most ignorant critics -- such as myself -- now accept the 2004 Olympics probably will take place in Athens after all. The "crazy Greeks" have answered the media vultures in style, packing seven years of work into three.

And most of that three into 18 months.

But Athens hasn't won gold yet. It's only arrived at the starting line. And there are 10 laps to go.

10. Will prices be ridiculously high?
Yes, but not as much as we feared. What was expected to be the greediest money chase in Greek history has turned into public displays of repentance and pledges by traders and hoteliers to put service before profit. The lack of visitors -- a sensitive mayor won't give any figures on the number of people in town -- means one thing. Competition. Tabloid Espresso reported takeaway sandwiches at the airport costing an exorbitant $8.